Continuous percolation system



Sept. 11, 1956 H. M. GWYN, JR ET AL 2,762,510

CONTINUOUS PERCOLATION SYSTEM Filed Nov. 21, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig.

ATTEST: INVENTORS. HARRY M. GWYN,JR. (aw BY CARL 0. LAUGHLIN ATTORN EYSept. 11, 1956 H. M. GWYN, JR., ET AL.

commuous PERCOLATION SYSTEM 4 Sheeis-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 21, 1952INVENTORS. HARRY M. GWYN,JR. CARL D. LAUGHLIN A TTES T:

ATTORNEY p 11, 1956 H. M, GWYN, JR., ET AL 2,762,510

CONTINUOUS PERCOLATION SYSTEM 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 21, 1952IIIIII III N I ////I/IIIIIIIIII/; 7

INVENTORS. HARRY M. GWYN,JR.

BY CVARL D. LAUGHLIN flmLAt 5 @M ATTORNEY Sept. 11, 1956 H. M. GWYN,JR., ET AL 2,762,510

CONTINUOUS PERCOLATION SYSTEM Filed Nov. 21, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 4ATTEST; INVENTORS.

. HARRY M. GWYN JR. M 0% BY CARL o. LAUGHLFN //1M KMJ ATTORNEY UnitedStates Patent 2,762,510 CONTINUOUS PERCOLATI'ON SYSTEM Harry M. G wyn,In, Philadelphia, and Carl D. Laughlin, Drexel I-irll, Pa., assignors toMinerals & Chemicals Corporation of America, a corporation of MarylandApplication November 21, 1952, Serial No. 321,842 6 Claims. (Cl.210-425) This invention relates to improvements in continuouscountercurrent percolation systems for separationof components from aliquid organic mixture by contact of the mixture with a granularadsorbent moving downwardly through an adsorption zone in the form of acolumnar mass, and it relates, more particularly, to such a system inwhich means are provided for continuously removing spent or partiallyspent adsorbent'uniformly over the entire area of the base of thecolumnar mass and in a manner substantially to prevent turbulence of theremaining adsorbent during movement thereof through the adsorption zone.l

For many years liquid organic mixtures have been separated commerciallyinto two or more fractions through the use of solid adsorbents, bothnatural and artificial or synthetic, such as fullers'ea'rth, bentonite,bauxite, charcoal, silica gel, and various refined aluminas. Theseparation may be effected whenever the mixture contains organiccompounds having sufficiently diiferent adsorbabilities, and thecompleteness thereof depends, among other things, on relativeadsorbabilities of the organic compounds to be separated. For example,highly polar organic compounds have been separated from less polar ornon-polar organic compounds by selective ad sorption on variousadsorbents; Hydrocarbons and par ticularly petroleum stocks have beenselectively separated according to chemical type, such as paraffins andnaphthenes from olefins, and olefins from'aromatics. More specifically,known solid adsorbents have been used,'for example, to remove colorbodies from hydrocarbons in the decolorization of lube oil, to removeolefins from and to desulfurize kerosine, gasoline, and diesel fuel, todegum and deasphaltize lube oil, and to separate or remove organiccomponents from many other mixtures of organic liquids during thefractionation thereof. 'It is conventional practice in commercialoperations to carry out the fractionation or separation of mixtures oforganic liquids into two or more fractions by the socalled percolationprocess. In that process the organic mixture simply is percolated orgravitated through a stationary bed of a granular adsorbent suitable foreffecting the desired separation until such time as the effectiveness ofthe adsorbent has decreased to a level which will not permit furthereconomical separation of the organic compounds. At that time, theintroduction of the charge is discontinued and the charge is diverted toanother percolation unit. The adsorbed fraction on the adsorbent is thenremoved by a suitable solvent, by heating, by burning, or by blowingwith an inert gas, or by a combination of such methods. The regeneratedadsorbent is then reused for further treatment of the charge in anothercycle of operation.

There are several obvious disadvantages of the above described batchpercolation process. In the first place, the decline in activity of theadsorbent during use over a period of time necessitates shutdown of theoperation for regeneration of the adsorbent. Moreover, because of thedecline in activity of the adsorbent, the composi 2. tion of the productfrom the adsorption zone varies during even a single cycle of operationand because of which it is necessary to properly select and'segregatethe product cuts. i

Recently there have been suggested several continuous percolationprocesses by which liquid organic mixtures may be continually separatedwithout shutting down the unit for the purpose of regeneration orreplacement of the solid adsorbent. Such processes, for example, aredisclosed in U. S. Patents Nos. 2,470,339 and 2,564,717. Broadly,thesec'ontinuous percolation processes involve introducing granularadsorbent'into' an adsorption zone and passing it therethrough inthe-form of a moving column. The feed is continuously introduced intoand passed through the adsorption zone in a direction opposite to thedirection of passage of the adsorbent. A non-adsorbed fraction ofthe'feed is removed "from the adsorption zone at a point adjacent thepoint "of introduction of the adsorbent. Similarly, the spent orpartially spentadsorbent is removed from the adsorption zone at apointadjace'nt the point of introduction of the feed. The spentadsorbent is regenerated continously in associated equipment andreturned to the adsorption column. Thus, these continuous adsorptionprocesses involve countercurrent contact of the feed mixture with amoving column of adsorbent material. The efficiency of these processesis dependent upon maintaining true countercurrent flow of the feed andthe adsorbent, and any substantial turbulence of the adsorbent inpassing through the adsorption zone'will have a serious detrimental'elfect upon 'the' operations.

In some systems heretofore proposed for operation of continuousadsorption processes, a bucket elevator, or equivalent means, isincluded for removing spent or partially spent adsorbent from the baseof the gravitating columnar mass. The adsorbent, however, is removedonly at one'poi'nt at the base of the columnar mass. As a result, theadsorbent moves more rapidly through some portions of the adsorptioncolumn than others with'result'that undesirable turbulence occurscausing a serious decrease in the efliciency of the operations;Moreover, some of the known systems have restrictions adjacent the lowerend ofthe adsorption column which similarly interfere with uniform flowof adsorbent, likewise causing a departure from true countercurrent flowof the feed and the adsorbent and resulting in a decline" in theefficiency of the'operation.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a novelsystem for operating a continuous percolation process which will obviatethe aforementioned difficulties.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus foroperating a continuous percolation process which is so constructed andarranged that the solid adsorbent and the feed mixture pass through theadsorption column in substantially true countercurrent flow, thereby torealize a maximum efficiency of operation.

A further object is to'provide apparatus for operating a continuouscountercurrent percolation process with maxi mum efliciency and whichapparatus includes collection means for removing spent or partiallyspent adsorbent uniforrnly'over the entire area of the base of thecolumnar mass thereby to prevent substantial turbulence of the remainingadsorbent in the columnar mass during movement thereof downwardlywithinthe adsorption column.

A still further object of the invention is to provide such apparatus inwhich there is included an elevating screw in contact with the base ofthe columnar mass of adsorbent and a plurality of collection vanesmounted on a plate and extending substantially between the outer edge ofthe elevating screw and the wall of the adsorption.

Figure 2 is a cross section taken along the line Z--2 of Figure l;

, F'gure 3 is Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing that a cross sectiontaken along the line 3-3 of portion of the adsorption column adjacentthe outlets for the non-adsorbed fraction, with the screens secured inthe adsorption column by means of a circumferential flange;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view showing the lower end of an adsorptioncolumn, including the collection vanes and elevating screw, of anotherembodiment of this invention;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view showing the lower end of an adsorptioncolumn of still another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view showing the lower end of an adsorptioncolumn of another embodiment in which the collection vanes and theelevating screw are adapted for movement relative to one another; and

Figure 8 is a cross section taken along the line 88 of Figure 7.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided, in a systemfor continuous countercurrent separa- ,tion of components from a liquidorganic mixture by passing the mixture through a columnar mass ofgranular adsorbent, said system including an adsorption column adaptedfor continuous downward movement of the adsorbent therethrough in theform of a columnar mass, means for continuously removing spent orpartially spent adsorbent uniformly over the entire area of the base ofthe columnar mass and in a manner to prevent substantial turbulence ofthe remaining adsorbent during movement of the remaining adsorbentdownwardly within the adsorption column. By thus eliminating turbulence,true countercurrent flow of the granular adsorbent and the feed mixturethrough the adsorption column results and hence maximum operationefliciency. 7

Generally, the means for continuously removing adsorbent uniformly overthe entire area of the base of the columnar adsorbent mass comprises anelongated elevating tube of relatively small diameter in comparison withthe diameter of the adsorption column and in axial alignment therewith,an elevating screw mounted for rotatable movement within the elevatingtube and terminating at its lower end at a point below the open end ofthe elevating tube, a collection plate having a diameter substantiallythe diameter of the adsorption column mounted for rotatable movementimmediately adjacent the lower endof the elevating screw in a planenormal to the axis of the elevating screw, and a plurality'of collectionvanes fixedly secured to the upper face of the collection plate andextending between the elevating screw and the wall of the adsorptioncolumn in a manner such that when rotated with the plate will cause theadsorbent contacted therewith to be moved inwardly from the wall oftheadsorptionl column into contact with the elevating screw and to beremoved by the elevating screw from the adsorption column, and means forrotating the elevating screw and the collection plate. The novelapparatus'of the present invention is suitable for continuous separationof any componentor components from a liquid organic mixture which areknown to 4 those skilled in the art-to be capable of being separatedupon percolation of the mixture through a mass of granular adsorbent inaccordance with well known practices. For example, the novel apparatusmay be utilized in the operation of a continuous percolation adsorptionprocess to separate color bodies from hydrocarbons in the decolorizationof lube oil, to remove olefins from and to desulfurize kerosine,gasoline, and diesel fuel, to degum and deasphaltize lube oil, and toseparate hydrocarbons and particularly petroleum stock according tochemical type, such for example, as paraflins and naphthenes fromolefins or olefins from aromatics. Moreover, any known granularpercolation adsorbent may be used in the novel apparatus. For example,the. apparatus suitable for the operation of a continuous percolationprocess employing, as the adsorbent, fullers earth clay, activatedcarbon, silica gel, activated alumina, magnesia, or any other knowngranular percolation adsorbent.

It is to be understood that the novel apparatus is not restricted in useto fractionation or separation operations expressly mentioned above, butthe apparatus may be used to effect any separation of components from aliquid organic mixture known in the art to be possible by percolation ofthe mixture through a mass of granular adsorbent.

The optimum conditions for operation of a continuous percolation processsuch as temperature, rates of flow of the adsorbent and the feed, typeof adsorbent, and the like, are well known to those skilled in the artand form no part of this invention. Where necessary, specific conditionsfor any particular separation may be readily determined by calculationin accordance with established procedures which need not be discussedhere.

The invention may be more readily understood by rcference to theattached drawings. Turning at this time to Figures 1 to 3, inclusive,numeral 1 denotes generally an adsorption column, preferably having asubstantially cylindrical configuration. The granular adsorbent itscontinuously introduced from hopper 2 through tube 3 into adsorptioncolumn 1 through which it passes in the form of a columnar mass. Theadsorbent substantially completely fills adsorption column 1 at alltimes and assumes its natural angle of repose as indicated by line 4.

It is to be understood that the adsorbent introduced into adsorptioncolumn 1 may comprise either fresh adsorbent or regenerated adsorbent,or a mixture thereof. Since apparatus for continuous regeneration iswell known to those skilled in the art and forms no part of the presentinvention, such apparatus has been omitted from the drawings. It is tobe recognized, however, that any suitable adsorbent regenerationequipment may be employed with the apparatus of this invention.

Adsorption column 1 terminates at its lower end in telescopingcylindrical section 5 which is secured as at 7 to the adsorption columnwall 6 by circumferential flange 8. Flange 8 may be formed integrallywith wall 6 or may be sealed thereto by welding or other suitable means.It is to be noted that cylindrical section 5 extends beyond the end wall6 and also is of a relative diameter such that an annular space isformed between section 5 and wall 6, the purpose of which will beapparent later.

Adsorption column 1 is closed at its lower end by end member 10 whichpreferably is releasably connected to section 5 by means of angle iron11 and nut and bolt assemblies 12.

The liquid organic mixture from which components are to be adsorbed isfed into adsorption column 1 from a suitable feed storage, not shown,through feed inlet 13 provided in end member 10. Feed inlet 13preferably is comprised of two flanged sections which are securedtogether, as shown, by not and bolt assemblies 14, one of said flangedsections being formed integrally with end member 10. Nut and boltassemblies 14 also function to clamp a pair of screens 15 between theabutting flanged sections of feed inlet 13 and in the path of flow ofthe feed mixture thereby to prevent sand, grit, and other undesirablesolid particles, which might be contained in the feed, from entering theadsorption column.

In the adsorption column, the feed flows upwardly through the columnarmass of granular adsorbent which is passing downwardly in countercurrentflow. The nonadsorbed fraction passes from adsorption column 1 throughone or more outlets 16. While outlets 16 are shown in Figure l as beingonly slightly above the mid point of the adsorption column, it is to beunderstood that they may be located closer to the top of the column,depending upon the height of the column.

For the purpose of substantially preventing the passage of adsorbentgranules out of the column with 'the nonadsorbed fraction,'screens' 17are secured to the inner wall of adsorption column 1 over outlets 16. Inorder to insure uniform flow of the columnar mass of adsorbent throughthe adsorption column, screens 17 preferably are welded or otherwisesecured directly to the wall of the column. In the case of columns ofvery large diameter where relatively small restrictions 'in the columnwould have practically no adverse effect on the uniformity of adsorbentflow, the screens, as shown in Figure 4, may be secured at either end toangle irons 18, which in turn may be removably attached by nut and boltassemblies 19 to complementary angle irons 20 permanently afiixed to thewall of the adsorption column by welding or otherwise. With thisconstruction, screens 17 can be readily removed for repair orreplacement. Figure 2 is a cross section of the apparatus taken in theplane of outlets 16 and in which is shown the relative positions ofoutlets 16, screens 17, annular channel 21 and nipple 23.

The non-adsorbed fraction passing through outlets 16 is collected inannular channel 21 formed by the wall of adsorption column 1 and channelbar 22 secured to or formed integrally with said wall, in the positionshown in Figure 1. From there the non-adsorbed fraction passes throughnipples 23 and thence to additional treating facilities or to storage,not shown, as desired.

As above pointed out, in accordance with this invention there isprovided means for continuously removing spent adsorbent uniformly overthe entire area of the base of the columnar adsorption mass in a mannerto prevent turbulence of the remaining adsorbent during movement of theremaining adsorbent downwardly within the adsorption column. Such meansincludes an elongated elevating tube 24 of relatively small diameter incomparison with the diameter of adsorption column 1, secured by weldingor otherwise within the adsorption column and in axial alignmenttherewith, as shown. A portion of elevating tube 24 extends beyond theupper end of the adsorption column and has provided therein adsorbentdischarge spout 25. It is to be noted that elevating tube 24 terminatesshort of end member 10 in an open end 26. Elevating screw 27 is mountedfor rotatable movement within elevating tube 24 and its lower end ridesin thrust bearing 28. The upper end of screw 27 extends through bearing29 and is provided with gear 30 through which screw 27 may be rotated bya suitable drive mechanism, not shown.

Collection plate 31 having a diameter substantially the diameter of theadsorption column is keyed or otherwise secured to elevating screw 27 sothat the collection plate will rotate with elevating screw 27 as a unit.It will be noted that collection plate 31 is adapted to rotate in aplane normal to the axis of the elevating screw and serves as a falsebottom for adsorption column 1, supporting the columnar mass ofadsorbent. An upright peripheral lip 32 is formed on collection plate 31and extends into annular space 9 between section 5 and the adsorptioncolumn wall 6, thereby to provide an adsorbent seal to prevent adsorbentfrom passing beyond collection plate 31. It will be noted that the feedmixture introduced into adsorption column 1 through inlet 13 will flowbetween section 5 and peripheral lip 32 and thence between peripherallip 32 and .the adsorption column wall 6. into contact with the columnarmass of adsorbent. Such flow of the feed mixture tends to prevent theentrance of adsorbent into the adsorbent seal. Since, as above pointedout, col lection plate 31 supports the entire weight of the columnarmass of adsorbent, it is preferable to reinforce the plate by means ofspider support 33. Spider support 33 may be formed integrally withcollection plate 31 or may be separately formed and similarly keyed toelevating screw 27. A plurality of collection vanes 34 are fixedlysecured to the upper face of collection plate 31 and extendsubstantially between the outer edge of elevating screw 27 and theadsorption column wall 6. The vanes 34 are generally of an arcuateconfiguration and are oriented relative to screw 27 such that when thescrew and collection plate 31 are rotated, adsorbent contacted by thevanes will be caused to move inwardly from the wall of adsorption column1 into contact with the elevating screw and to be removed by theelevating screw from the adsorption column through discharge spout 25.It has been found that collection vanes 34, shaped and dis posed asshown in Figures 1 and 3, will provide satisfactory operation. It willbe noted that vanes 34 taper from the outer edge to the inner edgethereof. Moreover, the arc of the collection vanes 34 is something morethan While in Figure 3 only two vanes are shown, it is to be understoodthat as many as four or more may be employed, if desired. Also, theconfiguration of the vanes, that is the taper and the curvature, may bevaried provided only that when the vanes are properly rotated theadsorbent over the entire area of the base of the columnar mass iscaused to be moved uniformly toward elevating screw 27.

In operation, adsorbent is continuously introduced into adsorptioncolumn 1 from hopper 2 through tube 3. The adsorbent takes the form of acolumnar mass in passing through the adsorption column and at the top ofthe column the adsorbent assumes its natural angle of repose such as isindicated by line 4. Simultaneously with the introduction of theadsorbent the feed mixture is fed into adsorption column 1 through inlet13 and after passing through the adsorbent seal flows upwardly throughthe columnar mass of adsorbent in countercurrent fashion. Thenon-adsorbed traction of the mixture, upon reaching the level of outlets16, will pass therethrough into annular channel 21 and thence throughnipples 23 for further treatment or storage as desired. At the sametime, spent or partially spent adsorbent is removed uniformly over theentire area of the base of the columnar mass as a result of continualrotation in the proper direction of collection plate 31 and screw 27 asa unit. The continuous rotation is effected by means of an externaldrive, not shown, operatively connected with gear 30. With reference toFigure 3, screw 27 and plate 31 are rotated in a clockwise direction. Asplate 31 and necessarily vanes 34 rotate, the adsorbent at the base ofthe columnar mass is contacted by the vanes and is caused to moveuniformly toward the screw. Although there is no relative movementbetween screw 27 and vanes 34, it has been found that the adsorbent willbe forced into the narrow passage between them and thence lifted byelevating screw 27 to the top of elevating tube 24 and dischargedthrough chute 25. I f

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a second embodiment of theinvention in which adsorption column 1 takes the form of a cylindricaltank with an integral dished head 35. In this embodiment of theinvention, collection plate 31 slopes downwardly from the outer edge tothe center as shown and a plurality of rollers 36 mounted by means ofpedestal 37 provide additional support for the collection plate. Therollers are positioned circumferentially and at spaced intervalsadjacent the outer edge of plate 31. Preferably roller support 37 takesthe form of an annular, inverted channel formed integrally withperipheral rim 38 provided as shown on lure wall'lof'th'e adsorptionembodiment the adsorbent seal is provided bydepend- Ting collar 39rigidly aifixed to the underside of plate 31 column. Moreoverjin thisand annular collar 40 provided, as shown, on the upper other manner. Asin the embodiment shown in Figure 5,

collection plate 31 is given added support by a plurality of rollers'36mounted on annular pedestal 37 which is fixedly secured to the wall ofthe adsorption column. Plate 31 is substantially flat and is providedwith peripheral lip 32, the same as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1,which functions as one element of the adsorption seal. The other elementof the adsorption seal is provided by the depending leg of annularmember 41 secured by bolts 42 or otherwise to L-shaped ring 43 fixedlyattached in turn to the adsorption column wall, as shown. The mixturefed into the adsorption column, it will be seen, flows between theunderside of plate 31 and pedestal 37, through the annular passagebetween the adsorption column wall and peripheral lip 32 and thencebetween peripheral lip 32 and the depending leg of annular member 41into contact with the columnar mass of the adsorbent.

In order to simplify assembly and disassembly of the apparatuses ofFigures 5 and 6, it is preferred that collection plate 31 and spidersupport 33 be made up of a plurality of sections which may be loweredinto the adsorption column through a manhole 44 (Figure l) and assembledby means of bolts or otherwise in much the same manner as the trays of afractionation column.

While the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6 differ somewhat inconstruction from that of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, it is to benoted that the mode of operation of the latter applies equally as wellto the apparatuses shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Referring at this time to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown a stillfurther embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to theapparatus shown in Figure 6 except that means are provided forindependent rotation of collection plate 31 and elevating screw 27. As

shown in Figure 7, shank 45 of elevating screw 27 is hollow and shaft 46extends therethrough and rests in thrust bearing 28. Collection plate 31and spider support 33 are adapted to rotate as a unit and are keyed orotherwise fixedly secured to shaft 46 whereby plate 31 and support 33may be rotated by rotation of shaft 46. While the upper end of elevatingscrew 27 is not shown, it is to be understood that it passes through andis supported by bearing 29 (Figure 1). Similarly, while the upper end ofshaft 46 is not shown, it is to be understood that is passes freelythrough gear 30 of elevating screw 27 and is adapted to be rotated bymeans of a drive source independent of the drive source for elevatvingscrew 27. It will be noted that screw 27 is shown as a double threadscrew. However, if desired, a screw having a single thread may beutilized.

The operation of the apparatus shown in Figures 7 and 8 is substantiallythe same as that of the earlier embodiments except that collection vanes34 are reversed and screw 27 and plate 31 rotated in oppositedirections. The relative movement between screw 27 and vanes 34facilitates the uniform movement of adsorbent over the entire area ofthe base of the columnar mass into contact with screw 27.

We claim:

1. In a system for continuous countercurrent separa- I 8 tionofcomponents from a liquidorganic mixture by percolation of the'mix'turethrough a columnar mass of granular adsorbent capable of selectivelyadsorbing said components, said system including a vertically disposedadsorption column adapted for continuous downward movement of suchadsorbent therethrough in the form of a columnar mass, adsorbent inletmeans adjacent the top of the adsorption column for introducing anadsorbent thereinto, feed inlet means adjacent the bottom of theadsorption column for introducing the liquid organic mixture into 'theadsorption column, and outlet means intermediate the adsorbent inletmeans and the feed inlet means for continuously withdrawing a liquidnonadsorbed fraction of said mixture from the adsorption column, thecombination therewith of means for continuously removing adsorbentuniformly over the entire area of the base of the columnar mass and in amanner to prevent substantial turbulence of the remaining adsorbentduring movement of the remaining adsorbent downwardly within theadsorption column, said means comprising an elongated elevating tube ofrelatively small diameter in comparison with the diameter of theadsorption column concentrically disposed within the adsorp tion column,said elevating tube terminating at its upper end at a point beyond thetopof the adsorption column and having its lower end open and spacedfrom the bottom of the adsorption column, an elevating screw mounted forrotatable movement within the elevating tube for moving adsorbentupwardly through the elevating tube, said elevating screw terminating atits lower end at a point below the lower end of the elevating tube, anad sorbent outlet adjacent the upper end of the elevating tube fordischarging adsorbent from said elevating tube, a plate having adiameter substantially the diameter of the adsorption column and mountedfor rotatable movement immediately adjacent the lower end of theelevating screw and coaxially therewith, and a plurality of vanesfixedly secured to the upper face of said plate, each vane extendingsubstantially between the outer edge of the elevating screw and the wallof the adsorption column in a manner such that when rotated with theplate will cause adsorbent contacted therewith to be moved inwardly fromthe Wall of the adsorption column into contact with the elevating screw,

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said elevating screw and said plateare rigidly connected together so as to be rotatable as a unit.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein bearing means are circumferentiallydisposed about the lower end of the adsorption column in a manner so asto support the outer edge of said plate.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said elevating screw and said plateare adapted to be rotated independently of each other.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said elevating screw is providedwith an axial bore extending there through and a shaft is mounted forrotatable movement within said bore and is rigidly connected with saidplate whereby said elevating screw and said plate may be rotatedindependently of each other.

6. A process for continuously separating components from a liquidorganic mixture by means of percolation of said organic mixture througha columnar mass of granular adsorbent capable of adsorbing saidcomponents therefrom, comprising the steps of continuously feeding saidadsorbent to the top of a confined columnar mass thereof, continuouslyintroducing said organic mixture adjacent the bottom of said columnarmass of adsorbent material and passing it upward thereinto, continuouslywithdrawing a liquid non-adsorbed fraction of said organic mixture fromcontact with the columnar mass of adsorbent intermediate the top andbottom of said mass, continuously urging granular adsorbent material,from the bottom strata of said columnar mass toward the bottom openingof a tubular passage, arranged to extend upwardly and concentricallythrough the columnar mass from a point near the bottom thereof, in amanner to avoid substantial turbulence of the remaining adsorbentmaterial in the columnar mass, and causing adsorbent from the bottom ofsaid columnar mass to pass upwardly through said tubular passage and outof contact with said columnar mass.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS329,329 Matthiessen Oct. 27, 1885 10 Matthiessen Oct. 27, 1885 ToepferApr. 2, 1889 Coe Feb. 23, 1926 Force Feb. 1, 1927 Wiard Mar. 10, 1936Bighouse Oct. 26, 1937 Bonotto Ian. 30, 1940 Green Sept. 22, 1942Hibshman Feb. 20, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Australia Feb. 20, 1947

6. A PROCESS FOR CONTINUOUSLY SEPARATING COMPONENTS FROM A LIQUIDORGANIC MIXTURE BY MEANS OF PERCOLATION OF SAID ORGANIC MIXTURE THROUGHA COLUMNAR MASS OF GRANULAR ADSORBENT CAPABLE OF ADSORBING SAIDCOMPONENTS THEREFROM, COMPRISING THE STEPS OF CONTINUOUSLY FEEDING SAIDADSORBENT TO THE TOP OF A CONFINED COLUMNAR MASS THEREOF, CONTINUOUSLYINTRODUCING SAID ORGANIC MIXTURE ADJACENT THE BOTTOM OF SAID COLUMNARMASS OF ADSORBENT MATERIAL AND PASSING IT UPWARD THEREINTO, CONTINUOUSLYWITHDRAWING A LIQUID NON-ADSORBED FRACTION OF SAID ORGANIC MIXTURE FROMCONTACT WITH THE COLUMNAR MASS OF ADSORBENT INTERMEDIATE THE TOP ANDBOTTOM OF SAID MASS, CONTINUOUSLY URGING GRANULAR ADSORBENT MATERIAL,FROM THE BOTTOM STRATA OF SAID COLUMNAR MASS TOWARD THE BOTTOM OPENINGOF A TUBULAR PASSAGE, ARRANGED TO EXTEND UPWARDLY AND CONCENTRICALLYTHROUGH THE COLUMNAR MASS FROM A POINT NEAR THE BOTTOM THEREOF, IN AMANNER TO AVOID SUBSTANTIAL TURBULENCE OF THE REMAINING ADSORBENTMATERIAL IN THE COLUMNAR MASS, AND CAUSING ADSORBENT FROM THE BOTTOM OFSAID COLUMNAR MASS TO PASS UPWARDLY THROUGH SAID TUBULAR PASSAGE AND OUTOF CONTACT WITH SAID COLUMNAR MASS.